Predicting the Outcome of Optic Neuritis Evaluation of risk factors after 30 years of follow-up.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disease with considerable risk for disability. Optic neuritis (ON) is a common first symptom of MS but it can also remain an isolated episode. Therefore, predicting the outcome of ON has gained in importance, particularly in light of current discussions of early disease modifying treatments in individuals at risk of developing MS. We reported previously on our cohort of 86 patients with acute monosymptomatic unilateral ON of whom 33 had progressed to MS after up to 18 years. Three patients had died. The present study extends the observation period to 31 years.